Govt permits exports of certain non-woven fabrics used for making masks

However, export of melt blown fabric of any GSM (grams per square metre) continues to be banned

doctor, health worker, coronavirus, PPE, protective masks, gear — A doctor wearing a protective gear takes a swab from a woman to test for coronavirus in Dharavi . Photo: Reuters/File

1 min read Last Updated : Aug 18 2020 | 10:30 PM IST

The government on Tuesday allowed exports of certain non-woven fabrics used to make masks and coveralls with a view to push outbound shipments.

However, export of melt blown fabric of any GSM (grams per square metre) continues to be banned.

A notification dated July 13 was amended "to the extent that only melt blown fabric of any GSM...is prohibited for export. All other non-woven fabrics of any GSM (including GSM 25-70 which were earlier prohibited) are freely allowed for exports," the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a notification.

The export ban was earlier imposed in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic.